The ecological hopper is designed to facilitate the process of unloading solid bulk from ships to dock trucks in a way that minimizes environmental pollution. Specifically, this hopper has been designed for handling bulk solid flours and cereals with a material density of 0.8 Tm/m3. The hopper is equipped with a double trough, with lower unloading through six double-flap discharge openings operated by hydraulic cylinders. It has a capacity of 150 m³ at full volumetric capacity in the hopper, with a weight of approximately 110/115 tons, and is limited to a maximum load capacity of 120 tons, resulting in a maximum authorized mass of 230/235 tons.
The parts of the hopper (from bottom to top) are as follows:
- SELF-SUPPORTING STRUCTURE
The self-supporting structure is of the portal type, constructed with standard carbon steel laminated structural profiles and consists of four support legs braced together in a lattice configuration. This structure is designed to withstand the stresses to which it is subjected both during the unloading process and when being transported empty to its location.
The hopper is moved along the dock by transferring the assembly with four solid directional wheels equipped with attachments so that it can be dragged with a loader.
.jpg)
- MAIN BODY
The main body of the hopper consists of a double-chambered product receiving inlet measuring 9.8 x 9 meters with six discharge outlets, each equipped with a reinforced double-acting hydraulic cylinder that can be positioned at any point along the opening/closing range.
- INTERMEDIATE BODY
Dust collection filters are installed at the top of the intermediate body, and dust extraction filters are installed inside.
- FLEX-FLAP
The hopper has a Flex-Flap dust containment system consisting of a box of inner tubes, folded slats, and tilting rubber curtains that seal once the material has passed through, reducing dust escaping to the outside.
- GRATE
Between the extension and the Flex-Flap there is a 9,500x9,000 mm grate, made in two parts for easy disassembly and assembly, to decompress the material during unloading and at the same time prevent unwanted oversized particles from passing through.
- RAISED SECTION
It has an upper raised section in the hopper formed by an auxiliary structure made of standard carbon steel laminated profiles and sheet metal with stiffening reinforcements, with a total height of 2,000 mm. This prevents material from scattering during unloading, allowing the clamshell bucket to lower into the opening area and unload protected from the wind, minimizing dust during unloading.
- WALLS
The main body and the self-supporting structure are covered by walls around the entire perimeter, leaving only the truck access areas open and thus confining the spaces. These walls are made of trapezoidal sheet metal.
In addition, at the truck entrance and exit there is a bar for fixing overlapping slats, forming a sliding closure at the access points to further confine the space.
